Highway 14 winds through Poudre Canyon for 16 miles west of US 287, delivering visitors to this nine-site campground positioned directly alongside the Cache La Poudre River. The sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, with four walk-in tent spots offering closer river access. Roosevelt National Forest manages this established campground from mid-May through mid-October at $29 per night.
The river runs immediately adjacent to most sites, creating constant water sounds that mask highway noise for campers positioned away from the road. Several reviewers note the proximity trade-off between road access and traffic sounds. Sites closer to the water fill quickly during peak season. Wren H. found "the river is SO close to these spots" and appreciated how it provided "a great sound barrier at night." Each site includes a bear box, fire ring with grill, and picnic table.
The campground attracts paddlers using it as a launch point for lower Poudre sections or takeout from the Narrows run upstream. Fishing access is immediate from most sites. The Narrows campground sits less than two miles west for those seeking additional river access. Pit toilets and trash service handle basic needs, though the nearest supplies require a drive back toward Fort Collins.
Reserve through Recreation.gov during summer months when river activities peak. The rough access road mentioned in reviews requires careful navigation for larger rigs.
Description
Overview
Stove Prairie Campground is located on the Cache la Poudre River, 26 miles northwest of Fort Collins, in north central Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its great rafting, fishing and hiking opportunities.
Recreation
The Cache la Poudre River offers whitewater rafting and fishing. Anglers cast for brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout. Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are in the surrounding area, including the Mt. McConnel Trail, William R. Kreutzer National Recreation Trail and Young Gulch Trail. Other popular activities include birding and wildlife viewing.
Facilities
The campground offers eight accessible, single-family campsites. Four sites are walk-to tent sites. Each site is equipped with a 12-by-15 tent pad, table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Dead and downed firewood may be gathered in the surrounding forest, or purchased from the campground host.
Natural Features
The canyon's vegetation varies from dense forests to open meadows, surrounded by steep mountains. The campground is situated among ponderosa pine and aspen trees on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado's first National Wild and Scenic River.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.
Charges & Cancellations
Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsStove Prairie is located in Colorado near Livermore
Directions
From Fort Collins, take Highway 14 northwest for 26 miles, to the campground.
Coordinates
40.6833861 N
105.3966472 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 39 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 4 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 9 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 1 hr 23 min from Boulder, CO
